Ghana’s New Ambassador To China: Kojo Bonsu Sworn In

At a ceremony on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the Jubilee House in Accra, President John Dramani Mahama formally swore in the first group of Ghana’s recently appointed envoys, including former Kumasi Mayor Kojo Bonsu, as Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China.

The appointments, which are the first diplomatic missions the administration has made since President Mahama took office in January 2025, are intended to improve Ghana’s bilateral and multilateral ties while furthering the country’s Reset Agenda internationally.

According to Article 74 of the 1992 Constitution, the nominations of 15 people, including Bonsu, were made public after discussions with the Council of State, according to a formal letter from the Office of the President dated June 10, 2025, signed by Secretary to the President Callistus Mahama, PhD. Subject to parliamentary approval, these selections represent a calculated combination of seasoned politicians, scholars, and public leaders entrusted with representing Ghana’s interests overseas.

Kojo Bonsu, a prominent Ghanaian businessman, sports administrator, and politician, served as the Metropolitan Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly from 2013 to 2016. A known member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Bonsu campaigned vigorously for the party during the 2024 electioneering period. His nomination as Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China underscores his extensive political experience and the administration’s confidence in his ability to deepen Ghana-China relations.

Bonsu’s political journey includes a notable run in the NDC presidential primary on May 14, 2023, where he polled 3,181 votes (1.1%) against President Mahama’s 297,603 votes (98.9%). Despite the loss, his active engagement within the NDC and his leadership as Kumasi Mayor positioned him as a suitable candidate for this high-profile diplomatic role.

Addressing the appointees, the President described their appointments as “a mark of the confidence reposed in you and a recognition of your years of dedicated service, sterling achievement, and exemplary contributions both in the public and private sectors.” He urged the envoys to project Ghana’s image positively and pursue opportunities that benefit citizens at home.

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President Mahama emphasized his administration’s Reset Agenda, a blueprint aimed at restoring hope, rebuilding trust, and driving inclusive national development. “While much of this work will be driven domestically, your role is to extend this agenda abroad by cultivating strategic partnerships, unlocking opportunities, and deepening Ghana’s place in the global community,” he told the envoys. He further highlighted Ghana’s foreign policy principles, including Pan-Africanism, peaceful coexistence, self-determination, and the pursuit of justice and equity in world affairs.

Other Notable Appointments:
Alongside Kojo Bonsu, the first batch of envoys includes prominent figures such as veteran actress Kalsoume Sinare, nominated as Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, and former MP Nii Amasah Namoale, designated for the Federative Republic of Brazil. Other appointees include Benjamin A. Quashie (Republic of South Africa), Prof. Ohene Adjei (Federal Republic of Germany), and Victor Emmanuel Smith (Washington D.C., USA). Academic heavyweights like Prof. Kwasi Obiri-Danso (India) and Dr. Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh (Canada) also feature prominently, reflecting a diverse mix of expertise.